New Engineering Centre of Excellence Opens in Sydney

5 Jun 08

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement Greg Combet has opened Raytheon Australia’s Engineering Centre of Excellence at Macquarie Park, Sydney which will be home for 160 engineers.

He also outlined how the AWD project is faring in that part of the world.

“The Air Warfare Destroyer project is making good progress.

"In the last month the project has achieved its first major Design Review of the ship.

“Production of Aegis equipment which will form the core of the combat system is nearing completion in the US.

"The South Australian Government’s Common User Facility is moving ahead rapidly, and work has started on ASC’s new shipyard – both of them are on schedule.

“The Alliance team is analysing responses to the Alliance’s request for proposal for the construction of hull blocks.

"Responses were received from companies all around Australia.

"Building the three 148-metre hulls is the largest single project task being undertaken in Australia and offers tremendous opportunities for local industry.

“Beyond the opportunities in the construction of these warships are the opportunities to support them during their 30-year service life and I note that Sydney is the homeport for the AWDs so there will be some fantastic opportunities for local industry.

“While it is still in its early days I believe progress on the project is travelling well and I wish to thank not only those here today but all of those people from ASC, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, DMO and the Navy who are working on the project.

"The Government will continue to take a great interest in the progress of this project.”